"Waiver Wire Watch"

Here is my review of Week 3’s "Waiver Wire Watch". I have included those who should be added to your roster as well as some of those that you should stay away from. I realize that many leagues had their waiverwire last night, however, I am awaiting my lovely "Time Warner Cable" representative to grace my humble abode, get their crap together, and take care of my internet service (Had to move my office, my two year old claimed the bigger room! The audacity!!!).


QUARTERBACKS:

Jeff Garcia ~ If for nothing else, he is one of the premiere fantasy back-up quarterbacks. He has shown time and time again that he can manage a football game with crisp prediction of WRs route-running ability as well as to long range threats (See Joey Galloway). Tampa Bay’s defense is over-achieving right now; As long as they continue, Jeff has a chance to put up some fantasy numbers week in and week out.

Matt Schaub ~ Is he the real deal? As long as the defense keeps producing like it is and the offensive line continues to give him a chance… I guess so! I am very weary of back-up to starter roles in their first year (or in general) which is why I refuse to draft Kitna (and his 3rd concussion). Schaub has shown me that he can manage a game, even from his back. Ahman Green isn’t running like a thirty-something and the WR corp. has been fairly productive to date. Before you do sign him (as a back-up), check on Andre Johnson’s ankle injury. If the injury to A.J. does prove to be severe, simply lay-off picking him up for now. If he was available now, he will be available later. (If A.J. does have a sizeable injury, try and make a trade for him… give away a top/second tier to keep that GM moving forward, ride him on the bench till his recovery.)

WHO NOT…

Derek Anderson ~ I realize his monster day, but it was against an over-achieving CIN defense. With the upcoming schedule, expect Anderson to come back to earth, AND HARD. The Browns are going to run up against OAK, BAL, NE, and MIA over the next four weeks. Not very promising when you consider these defensive squads and their ability to defend the pass. Don’t hop on the Anderson bandwagon for another four weeks at the very least, if not at all.

Kyle Boller ~ Someone has to be the quarterback of the Ravens, but that doesn’t mean he needs to be on your fantasy team. Those seeking depth will be disappointed by Boller's inconsistancy. (If you haven’t figured that out all ready, give the Commissioner your money and bow out gracefully, taking your lack of aptitude with you… the league will be better off without your further interference.)

RUNNINGBACKS:

Sammy Morris ~ If you own Maroney, this is a must! Morris is quickly moving up the "Marion Barber" charts. He has seen more touches from "20 – End zone" than Maroney to this point. He is a tough bruiser who loves the north/south game but also has the ability to catch out of the backfield. He spent time in Buffalo & Miami so he knows his "classmates" in the division. Expect his role to grow, not truly diminishing Maroney’s role too much, but enough for Morris to land on your bench and play on key defensive match-ups.

Kevin Jones ~ Sorry Tatum Bell fans, but we are about 1 week away from a Kevin Jones sighting and about 2 – 3 weeks before he takes significant touches away from Tatum. They will share the load like half the teams in the NFL (making the true RB studs that more important to your lineup). If Jones stays healthy and Kitna's head remains intact, coupled with a great WR corp., he can make an impact. (Now, if only they had an offensive line). Expect a QB change by week 5-6 if the o-line continues to allow Kitna to be punished like his is right now. (It is almost a given that Kitna will kiss the dirt too many times and likely receive another punishing blow that will give him concussion number 4 or more).

DeShawn Wynn ~ I don’t like to say this, but Brandon Jackson (on half of my rosters) may not be the guy [this year]. Wynn is a bruiser with speed, who may play a bigger role than Jackson (another "Barber" candidate. Jackson and Morency will likely share touches with Wynn complementing the running tandem necessary for GB to be affective. If you have room on your bench, grab him and monitor his progress. If you don’t act now, someone else will.

WHO NOT…

Julius Jones ~ The 400 lb. Gorilla is officially in the room. How long before Jones becomes ultimately dispensable? I believe he will be a Cowboy for the year, maybe even next year, but Barber is clearly a cut above when it comes to shiftiness and "game-time speed". If he is available, leave him there until he does something worthy of consideration. If he isn’t, giggle to yourself as another GM wastes a perfectly good bench position.

Jerius Norwood ~ It should be apparent that 1) Warrick Dunn is "the guy" in Atlanta and 2) That doesn’t mean much fantasy-wise, except that Norwood will play another "could’a, would’a been" season. Dunn is to Norwood what Favre is to Rodgers… an ancient, unmovable hurdle impeding their NFL career. Don’t be fooled by the occasional breakout run… it won’t amount to much more than that.

WIDE RECEIVERS:

Shaun McDonald ~ Is there a ton of talent at the WR Corp. (C. Johnson, R. Williams)? The answer is "Yes". But that is good news for McDonald who is a great route-running, sure-handed, third option who isn’t afraid to run an slate across the middle and take monster hits to secure his role on the offense. He is going to have great worth as a 4th WR on your team, filling in for bye weeks and when matched against weak defensive secondaries.

Marty Booker ~ At a 111 yrs. old, this guy can still get it done (as long as Chris Chambers shows up). Last year, He was consistently productive (fantasy points). He has shown that same consistency early on this year. He is a veteran who understands the Miami offense and reads defenses well. He isn’t arrogant like Chambers, so he is more included to come and help Trent Green out with blitz adjustments, coming towards the QB and the ball (unlike Chambers who will wait ~ lazy) making him a viable receiving option. With a poor running game (Ronnie who?) and an lack luster offensive line, Booker can be a great pick-up if you had a poor WR showing on draft day. (without depth)

Wes Welker ~ Is he still available? Why? What more does he have to do besides be the 2nd in receptions and TDs for a potent NE offense? (Did you see the back step he put on Quentin Jammer? OH MY!!!!)

Joe Jurevicius ~ When healthy, this guy produces fantasy points, even for the Cleveland Browns. With Winslow, Edwards, and Lewis the focus of many o’ defensive squads, expect him to be another consistent fantasy producer this year (part of the "Marty Booker" Club). The problem is his age and durability. Snag him to add depth at WR… (Get rid of those Atlanta WRs you were praying would make an impact)

WHO NOT…

Nate Burleson ~ He always does this!!! Gets a few touchdowns early in the season to get the fantasy GMs juices flowing. There’s a flurry at the"waiver wire line of scrimmage". One guy comes out with the player and celebrates the fumble by other GMs... Just remember what the Pats did to SD when they recovered the fumbled punt return from Ellis Hobbs III! (In case you were one of maybe 3 people in the country NOT WATCHING IT, it ended with a 4th and 40!!!) Expect the same feeling of disappointment if you add him to your roster.

TIGHT ENDS:

Chris Baker ~ I am still touting this guy as an up-and-comer. He has 2 TDs to date, matching the likes of most top fantasy TEs, with only the YDs being significantly different. With Cotchery and Coles taking up the defensive backfields time, expect Bakers role to grow substantially with Kellen Clemens at the helm. Young QBs love their TE.

Matt Spaeth ~ Will he make more of a fantasy impact than Heath Miller? It appears so! If you have Miller, you may want to consider swapping them. It appears that they are running more Twin-TE sets with the defense focusing on Miller, giving Spaeth a chance to make a name in the fantasy world. If you have a weak backup TE, Spaeth may prove helpful to your bye week or key match-up.

KICKERS:

Jay Hansen ~ He is getting the opportunities more than most, if for nothing more than that, he still has the leg to go 40-50 YDs and put it through the uprights.

Shaun Suisham ~ As long as WAS keeps doing what they are doing, this kid could have a monster year. He is getting his attempts and making them, especially when they count. If you have someone who has a potent offense and will see more PATs than FGs, you may consider the swap, especially after Shaun’s bye-week. (It will also give you a better barometer as to how the Redskins will fair, long term.)

WHO NOT…

Sebastian Janikowski ~ Did I have to include him? Yes… because he is the Mike "Vander-jerk" of the NFL this year… This is what happens when you mix football with the drug "E" and piercing your crotch!!!!

DEFENSE/SPECIAL TEAMS:

Green Bay Packers ~ I will be the first to admit I thought Week 1 was a fluke. They faced ½ a McNabb and a poor PHI offense. then they faced an injury-plagued team in the NYG. With that being said, it shouldn’t take away from what this team is doing. They have some tough games but not near as hard as many "playoff hopefuls". If you have the Dallas Cowboys or got sold on the 49ers defense, grab and run.

Houston Texans ~ Is it all smoke in mirrors? Some may say so, but I believe that the youth at the defensive line and some key "second-tier" free agent pick-ups makes this team better. They also believe in Schaub and their offense, which makes them want to work harder. Mario Williams has stepped up now that their first round draft pick of 07 is out-working him. Their schedule has some tough, tough games (IND next week, SD week 8), but have some great defensive match-ups too.

Hope this information helps you solidify your week 3 line-up, your depth chart, and your playoff hopes.

Statistocrat

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